Question reference: S5W-21030
- Asked by: Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 16 January 2019
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 28 January 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is responsible for the protection and enhancement of the country’s historic environment.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises the economic, social and cultural importance of our rich historic environment and is keen to ensure that this hugely important asset is protected appropriately and proportionately. However, the responsibility for the protection of that resource is shared.
For example, while the Scottish Government is responsible for setting the legislative and policy framework which governs the protection of certain aspects of our historic environment through the planning system, and through the work of Historic Environment Scotland, much of the front line protection of our heritage assets has been statutorily delegated to local government (in its role within the planning and development process) and to Historic Environment Scotland.
Under the terms of the Historic Environment Scotland Act 2014 the general function of investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland’s historic environment has been delegated by the Parliament to Historic Environment Scotland.